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Static Electricity? How Do I Prevent Circuit Board Zap?

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piscator:
I think it was Linus that posted a warning somewhere about static electricity potentially 'zapping' the circuit board, when you work on iRiver players.

I don't understand this and was hoping someone could explain.  Is there something I should do to 'ground' the player, 'ground' my hands, tools, etc. to prevent spurious zaps?

I have a Toshiba MK1214GAH coming and plan to upgrade another h340 with the drive and a new battery.  If static electricity is a potential danger, I'd like to take every precaution possible. 

Did I read Linus' remark correctly?  If so, what is the potential danger and how do I minimize it?

Thanks for the help! 

Piscator

Quick Update: 3.0 Running Beautifully!!!

Rockbox 3.0 continues to function perfectly in our family's half-dozen iRiver and Sansa players.  I haven't quantified power consumption, but every player using 3.0 seems to have picked up several hours of 'time between charges'

Rockbox 3.0 -- Nothing Else Even Comes Close!!

yapper:
The warning doesn't just apply to iRiver players. Most modern electronic devices are susceptible to damage from static electricity.

A simple precaution would be to touch a grounded point (for example, a metal water pipe) before handling the player.

A more 'professional' approach would be to use an antistatic workstation, with a conductive mat linked to 'ground' via a resistor to drain any charge, and to wear a wriststrap linked to ground via a resistor.

piscator:
Yapper,

Thank you for the explanation.  Makes sense, but being new to electronics, I guess it suprises me that 'a little static' could be so potentially damaging.

I have a radio ground in my work area, I can 'touch' before handling the player.  I suppose I could work barefoot and 'wire' my 'big toe' to the ground as well  :D

I'll have to check a few electronics catalogs and see what a 'conductive mat' looks like.

Thanks again!

piscator

LambdaCalculus:

--- Quote from: piscator on November 10, 2008, 12:43:08 AM ---I suppose I could work barefoot and 'wire' my 'big toe' to the ground as well  :D

--- End quote ---

You can also wear rubber-based shoes, of course. ;)

(EDIT: Just teasing a little... ignore me, I'm in a silly mood today. :P)

bascule:

--- Quote from: LambdaCalculus379 on November 10, 2008, 08:34:08 AM ---... rubber doesn't conduct electricity, of course! ...

--- End quote ---

...meaning that your potential for static is much greater, as it cannot dissapate naturally until you reach for your ipod and then ZAP!

* bascule hopes you were joking

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